An astonishing set of contradictory comments from Egypt, as usual, plus some funny picks from Europe make up this month's quotes.

Equivocal

"He is the worst referee I've ever seen. We are really disappointed that Egyptian FA officials didn’t show us enough respect when they brought a mediocre official for a league decider," Ismaili assistant coach Ahmed Al-Agouz after the decisive Ahli defeat.

"This is what they call refereeing. Egyptian referees must learn from this ref instead of favoring Ahli. I give him 10 out of 10," Ismaili goalkeeping coach Tarek Abou-Leila after the very same match.

"When I said I want to repeat the scenario of 2002, I meant that only for the sake of my team, not for the benefit of others. It will be a very difficult match of course, but we will do our best to improve our position." Gaish boss Farouk Gaafar was only focused on his side before the league finale with Ahli.

After the game… "Our objective was to prevent Ahli from winning the title, but the referee didn’t help us!" Gaish goalkeeper Gharib Hafez had other views.

"I am a good professional and I like it at Wigan, but we did not agree on certain things, that is life." Amr Zaki is a 'good professional'.

"Zaki called on Wigan's officials to increase his wage, but they turned him down by saying there is a maximum limit for players' salaries, hence he decided to depart," Zaki's so-called adviser Mohamed Saied; let's see if the Bulldozer will get a higher wage elsewhere.

"We will regroup - my agent, my club and myself and we will make a decision soon - to go back to Zamalek is also an option," Good news for Zamalek, Zaki could return!

One week later… "Zamalek are a huge club and I can't deny its favors, but it is impossible for me to play in the Egyptian league again after my experience in England."

Some from Europe

"The champions are the team with the most points...if United have more points, it means they have more points, that's all. Nothing else," What a useful remark from Rafa Benitez.

"There was a lot said in the dressing room, but I can't repeat it!" Lampard is being Frank after Chelsea's Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona.

"It was not nice playing at home and getting booed by my own fans. I don't know what to do any more. If Porto, for example, wants Adebayor it is not Adebayor's fault. Why boo me?" Good question from Ade; but why Porto?!

"I do keep in contact with him, I send him messages. I hope he leaves his scoring boots at home." Unfortunately for Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia, Nicolas Anelka did bring his scoring boots to the Stadium of Light.

"I know some people think that Leo (Messi) did not have two great games against Chelsea and that maybe he can't play against British clubs. When I hear that, the only thing I can do is laugh. If you even show him one per cent less than the respect he deserves you will be very sorry," Andres Iniesta's pre-match alarm to Manchester United proved to be true.

"The funny thing is I didn't sign for United or one of the other big clubs because I was still studying and my mother wanted me to finish school," Vincent Kompany reveals how obedient he was as a student.

"I want to play always, but nothing will stop me from running 80,000 kilometers at the Rome final, if it is necessary. Nothing will stop me running what I have to run for my team. I can play well or badly, but one thing I will never fail to do is run." Samuel Eto'o before the Rome epic.

"Every day, every year, you feel like you killed somebody." Arsene Wenger is trying to say that his trophy-less run is not a crime, a few days after a Gunners fan committed suicide!

"I wouldn't expect them to do us any favors. But three days later United have a massive Champions League Final, so I hope their kit man will be on their team-sheet. Yet he might be a very good player as well!" Hull's George Boateng is aware that United do not have a fringe team.